Garret Nussmeier Receives Massive 250lb Jackpot as Brian Kelly’s Fortunes Set to Change in Latest LSU Intel

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had an iffy 2024. Sure, 4,052 passing yards and 29 TDs look good on paper. However, in the games that the Tigers lost, Nussmeier didn’t help the team. In losses against Alabama and Texas A&M, he had 5 total interceptions. Of course, when you’re chasing a lead, you’re bound to have more passing offense than desired, but even there, LSU’s QB1 didn’t lead the desired comeback. Nussmeier and the Tigers did win the Texas Bowl 44-31 over Baylor. That victory did little to decrease the disappointment of missing the playoffs again under Brian Kelly. The failure also falls on the head coach.

Heading into another regular season, the kid from Lake Charles kid is carrying the big promise to repeat Joe Burrow’s exploits for the program. Did he look settled in his spot last year? Well, a clear no. Can he bridge those gaps in his final year at Baton Rouge? Well, yes, only if he gets some solid push from his offensive weapons. How is the offense looking going into 2025?

Well, let’s start with the bad news. The Tigers would be without Kyren Lacy, who had 866 receiving yards on 58 receptions last year. He declared for the 2025 NFL draft but since then has been facing serious legal issues for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run case. WR CJ Daniels has transferred to Miami. The only good news is the return of Aaron Anderson, who transferred to LSU from Alabama and had a breakout 2024 under Brian Kelly. In other news, tight end Mason Taylor has also moved to the draft. That’s around 1900+ yards leaving the program.

Brian Kelly managed to add a big name to their offensive depth chart in week 1 that can be a jackpot to the lack of depth in the offense. The name in question is none other than the former Oklahoma junior tight end Bauer Sharp, who signed in December. After three seasons at Southeastern Louisiana, Sharp chose the Oklahoma Sooners prior to the 2024 season. This season for the Sooners, the 6-5, 250-pounder racked up 42 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns. Now, it’s the Tigers’ turn to make good use of his skill.

But how will he match up to the Tigers’ offensive strategy? Well, if that’s what makes you second guess his potential impact, there is an early answer to it. Kelly decided not to host the traditional spring game this year amidst the wake of the crazy poaching trend; instead, they will opt to host an open practice, which is already underway. And guess what? The new TE is already making his presence felt with an eye-popping one-handed catch. The football of the catch was shared by LSU’s official account. It reached none other than ON3’s JD PicKell, who was just mesmerized by what he saw.

”Running some one-on-ones, transfer from Oklahoma, tight end Bauer ‘keep that tack on me’ Sharp. Making an acrobatic catch here, dude. He’s a massive human being, 6’5-250, elevates one hand, give me that, give me that, get up guardian cap’s a little bit off the head. No worries, no problem, get up with your boy Garrett Nussmeier. I mean, you can just tell he’s a big dude by how he’s celebrating. I mean, reaching back for the podcast audience, you’re missing out, man. My guy is 6’5, 250, back shoulder, one hand, only need one. Stick them, y’all, if that’s in the tight end room with Trey’Dez Green, who’s 6’7. Like, God bless your red zone defense when you play LSU.’‘

Bauer Sharp took several reps with the first- and second-team offense. His first-team reps hit when the offense ran 12 personnel, lining up with TE Trey’Dez Green. Bauer Sharp looked fierce throughout his first practice with the Tigers, catching passes extensively and dishing early glimpses of what his long-term presence could look like.

After Mason Taylor’s departure, LSU’s TE room needed a strong push. Sharp seems to fulfill that promise, bringing a solid receiving option for Nussmeier, who can no longer afford any misplaced throws or wasted plays in a make-it-or-break-it year at Baton Rouge. So, he is going to be a big asset for the Tigers’ tottering offense. “I believe Bauer Sharp, they brought him in, I think, in large part because of what he can do blocking as well, but you’re making catches like that, bro! Yeah, we can, we can get you the rock. Don’t even worry about it,” PicKell said.

What does Kelly think about the new crown jewel of his pressing offense?

Brian Kelly has high hopes for Bauer Sharp

Mason Taylor’s departure and the unforeseen transfer of sophomore tight end Ka’Morreun Pimpton were the focal points of the transfer portal agenda last year.

Kelly picked Bauer Sharp with a huge expectation and had immense faith in his physicality to aid greatly in the run game.

A lot of his potential will depend on how offensive coordinator Joe Sloan uses him in any passing or direct snap situations, but Brain Kelly looks to be optimistic about what the tight end will add to the table, regardless. “

He has the ability to do some really good things in the passing game for us as well,” Kelly said. “I think what really stood out was having that kind of versatility in the run game and the passing game.”

For Sharp, due to a shear lack of numbers, his path to substantial playing time for the Tigers next season seems to be shorter than usual, but with proper guidance and coaching, he will be able to make the splash for Nussmeier.